SOLD
190,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2022 Oct 08 @ 13:07UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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All items are sold as is. Contact Van Eaton Galleries for condition reports and shipping information. 21% Buyer's Premium for all lots.
In 1962 Stan Lee was tasked with creating a new superhero by Martin Goodman, at that time the publisher at Marvel Comics. Spotting a fly on the wall, Lee came up with Spider-man because "It just sounded dramatic." He pitched him as a teenager, with personal problems, and Goodman turned it down. He reasoned that people hate spiders, and heroes don't have personal problems. With the sci-fi comic book Amazing Fantasy slated for cancellation, Lee put Spider-man on the cover of the last issue and told his origin story within "Just to get it out of my system." When the sales figures for that issue came out, they knew they had a hit, and Marvel Comics' most popular superhero was born.
Spider-man's popularity transcends most other comic book characters. As sixteen year old high school student Peter Parker, he stood out from the pack of teenaged sidekicks who had been the prevailing standard. Parker was no boy in training to become a superhero, he was a young man becoming a hero on his own. He taught us "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility." While battling villains like the Vulture and Doctor Octopus, he was also caring for his frail Aunt May, working for his boisterous boss at the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson (an avowed Spider-man hater) and trying to have a normal social life with Gwen Stacy, Mary Jane Watson, and friends Flash Thompson and Harry Osborn (who happens to be the son of Spider-man's greatest villain, the Green Goblin). Spider-man is a superhero readers can both identify with and aspire to be like.
Across "Top Comic Book Character" lists Spider-man is consistently the top Marvel character named, jockeying with only Superman and Batman for the number one overall position, depending on the leaning of the list-maker. Beyond comic books he has been featured in animated and live-action TV series, a comic strip, feature films, a (notoriously ill-fated) Broadway show, a myriad of video games, and literally every form of licensed product imaginable. The recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films leading up to 2021's Spider-man: No Way Home have propelled him to even greater and wider acclaim than ever.
This collection is the lifelong passion of a collector who began in childhood and pursued the Webslinger throughout his printed career. It spans, in unprecedented depth, more than 43 years of Spider-man, from his very first appearance, through all his starring titles. Beyond that it includes guest appearances, mini-series & one-shots, and even rare promotional comics. The total individual book count is over 2000, with the rarest and most valuable books of the collection CGC graded. Now, "Look out! Here comes the Spider-man!"
The Collection Includes...
AMAZING FANTASY #15...(Marvel, 1962) Amazing Fantasy #15. The first appearance of Stan Lee's greatest creation, the Amazing Spider-man. Amazing Fantasy 15 is the most sought after and highly valued book of the Silver age of comics from 1956 to 1969. The silver age is known as a time of artistic advancement and growing acceptance of comic books, following the Golden Age's relative quiet of the early 1950s. Amazing Fantasy #15 itself embodies Marvel Comics evolution into the Marvel Era of the late 1960s, with three "Twilight Zone" style backup stories that follow Spider-man's two part origin tale. These short twist ending stories were the hallmark of Marvel comics, until superhero stories edged them out starting with the Fantastic Four and Spider-man. The entire issue is written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Steve Ditko.
The first story, Spider-man!, introduces "bookworm" Peter Parker, as well as Uncle Ben, Aunt May, Flash Thompson, and Liz Allan, all recurring characters in Spider-man comics. The science demonstration that leads to an irradiated arachnid biting Parker and giving him spider-powers follows. Part 2 tells the tragedy of Uncle Ben's death at the hands of a burglar Spider-man could have stopped, and his taking on the mantle of a superhero. This story is the foundation of Spider-man, and has been recreated cinematically in 2002's Spider-man and 2012's The Amazing Spider-man.
Rated #1 on Overstreet's Top 50 Silver age Comics. A CGc graded 9.6 copy of Amazing Fantasy 15 sold for $3.6 million dollars at auction in 2021. This copy has a CGc restored grade of 7.0 with off-white pages. Restoration includes a small amount of color touch on the cover and right edge trimmed.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #S 1-525 PLUS ANNUALS... (Marvel, 1962-ca. 2005) The flagship title of all Spider-man series. After his debut in Amazing Fantasy 15, Spider-man took to his own book in March of 1963 and has been the most popular Marvel comics character ever since. Originally written by Stan Lee and drawn by Steve Ditko, Spider-man has been helmed by many Marvel legends including Roger Stern, John Romita Sr. (and Jr.), Todd McFarlane, Ross Andru and more. Many important characters in the Marvel Universe debuted in the pages of the Amazing Spider-man including Dr. Octopus and J. Jonah Jameson, The Green Goblin, Mary Jane Watson, Kingpin, Gwen Stacy, The Punisher, Black Cat, Hobgoblin, Venom, and almost all of Spider-man's notorious villains. Key events include the Death of Gwen Stacy in #121 followed by the Green Goblin's death in #122, the Spider-man black costume debut in #252, the black cover on issue 477 observing the attacks on 9/11, and more. 525 issues plus 28 annuals.
MARVEL TALES...Marvel Tales (Marvel, 1964-1994) This chiefly reprint title debuted in two giant sized All Marvel Summer Specials in 1964 and 1965. Starting with issue #3 it mainly featured classic Spider-man tales with other Marvel heroes as backup for most of its run. It's notable that issue #30 features an original story about the X-Men character Angel written by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel in a rare piece of work with Marvel Comics. 291 Issues.
MARVEL TEAM-UP...Marvel Team-Up Volume 1(1972-1985) This second series to feature Spider-man presents the web-slinger in stories teamed up with a rotating cast of Marvel characters, from the most popular to the most obscure. 150 issues plus 7 annuals.
SPIDEY SUPER STORIES...Spidey Super Stories (Marvel, 1974-1982) Spun off from the first live-action Spider-man on PBS' The Electric Company, Spidey Super Stories taught reading skills to a generation of kids while following the wall-crawlers adventures with Marvel and Electric Company characters. This often overlooked series is an important part of Spider-man's growth into prominence in the bronze age of comics. 57 issues.
PETER PARKER, SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN...(Marvel, 1976-1998) Spider-man's growing popularity in the 1970s demanded a third title, premiering in December of 1976. The book was intended to focus slightly more on Spider-man's secret identity, though the "Peter Parker" was dropped from the title with issue 134. 264 issues and 14 annuals.
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN...(Marvel, 1985-1995) When Marvel Team Up ended its run in 1985, it was replaced with this solo Spider-man title. Web of Spider-man is notable for being the only book to premiere during Spider-man's black costume phase, which led to the birth of fan favorite villain Venom. 129 issues plus 10 annuals.
TODD MCFARLANE'S SPIDER-MAN...Spider-man (1990-1998) Todd McFarlane's art in The Amazing Spider-man proved so popular, he was given his own Spider-title to write and draw. This lot includes several variations of the number one issue. Retitled Peter Parker: Spider-man at issue #75. 98 issues.
SPIDER-MAN 2099...Spider-man 2099 (1992-1996) The first in-depth depiction of "another" Spider-man besides Peter Parker, in this case Miguel O'Hara, the Spider-man of the future. 46 issues plus one annual & one special.
SPIDER-MAN MINISERIES...(Marvel, 1974-2007) Over 25 Spider-man miniseries, all complete. These include the 6 issue 1974 series Giant-Sized Spider-man, and Spider-man titles The Arachnis Project, Blue, Breakout, Punisher: Family Plot, X-Factor: Shadow Games, and many more. Over 114 issues total.
OTHE SPIDER-MAN SERIES...(Marvel, 1996-2005) 12 longer series dating from 1993 to 2003 chart Spider-man's growth into the new millennium. Some are new adventures or tied to new animated series, and others tell untold tales from Peter Parker's past. Titles include Adventures of Spider-man (1996), Spider-man's Tangled Web (2001-03), and Untold Tales of Spider-man (1998-2000). Over 250 issues total.
SPIDER-MAN PROMOS...(Various, 1966-2002) This grouping is an extensive collection (33 issues) of rare Spider-man books published as promotional give-aways, and magazine and newspaper inserts from across the USA and Canada. The rarity and scope of these books alone is notable, and as this comprehensive collection, immeasurable. Here Spider-man visits Dallas department stores, battles teenage smoking, and teams up to fight Dr. Doom with Billy, the mascot of the Florida Marlins.
OTHER APPEARANCES OF SPIDER-MAN...(Marvel, ca. 1960s - 2000s) This includes Spider-man appearances in other Marvel titles, one-shot issues, and related series such as The Green Goblin (1995) and Scarlet Spider titles. Approximately 157 issues.
Auction Location:
13613 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, California, 91423, United States
Previewing Details:
Please request condition reports.
There will be no in person exhibition for this collection. If you have any specific condition questions, or a need to personally inspect any items, please contact us at 818-788-2357 x100 or auction@vegalleries.com.
California residents and any items picked up in California are subject to 9.5% Sales Tax. 21% Buyer's Premium for all lots.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| TAX |
9.5% |
California Sales |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Contact Van Eaton Galleries for shipping quotes and options.
Payment Details:
All payments due within (7) calendar days after the close of auction, or within (5) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is later. Contact Van Eaton Galleries with questions or to request special arrangements. 21% Buyer's Premium for all lots.
Accepted Payment Methods:
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AUCTION
1. This auction is presented by Love of Art, LLC. The auction is conducted under the terms and conditions set forth herein and applicable state and local laws. Announcements on the day of auction, whether printed or announced from the podium, shall supersede those in the printed catalogue.
2. Buyer’s Premium: All bids are subject to a Buyer’s Premium which shall be added to all placed successful bids.
3. Bidders and Buyers Bound: All persons placing bids, participating or registering in the auction agree to be bound by, and accept, the Terms and Conditions of the auction.
4. Qualification: All Bidders must meet auctioneers qualifications to bid. Any Bidder who is not a client in good standing of the auctioneer may be disqualified at auctioneer’s sole option and will not be awarded any lots. Such determination may be made by the auctioneer in his sole and absolute discretion prior to, during, and after the close of any auction.
5. Exclusion: The auctioneer reserves the right to exclude any persons of entity: (a) from bidding, or (b) from the floor of the auction on the day of sale.
6. Guaranty: If any entity places any bid, then the individual actually placing the bid shall guaranty payment for any successful bid.
7. Credit: Bidders shall establish credit with the auctioneer prior to placing bids. Auctioneer shall be the sole determiner of whether or not credit of any Bidder is satisfactory to auctioneer. If Bidder is not known to auctioneer, a proposed Bidder shall furnish satisfactory credit information (”SCI”) at least five business days prior to the auction. Such SCI shall include two credit references, a social security number, and appropriate credit card information. Auctioneer reserves the right to make a credit check of any proposed Bidder and such Bidder consents to the making of such a credit check. The acceptance of checks is in the auctioneer’s sole discretion and may be based on a variety of criteria, such as a credit bureau report, a bank check, or otherwise. The auctioneer will accept, up to five business days prior to the date of the auction, deposits for bidding, if the check is a local check; or up to 10 business days before deposit if the check is not a local check. Such deposits will be kept in an attorney’s trust account, and shall not be applied to any payment absent a successful recognized bid. Those bidding on the Internet must pre-register at least one business day before the auction and bids will not be accepted if pre-registration has not occurred.
8. Bidding Procedures by Mail or Fax: All mail or fax bids shall be signed.
9. Bidding Increments: The bidding increments shall be utilized as specified in Paragraph 15; and if any bid does not so conform, the bid will be lowered to the highest increment lower than the mail bid. Non-internet bids (such as, for example only, bids from the podium, fax, mail, or telephone bids) shall be treated similarly to floor bids in that the bidding increments shall be utilized; and if the bid does not so conform, the bid will be lowered to the highest increment that is lower than the bid. Any Bidder may once in an auction for a particular lot bid a “half-increment”. Once a “half-increment” bid is accepted no other half-increment bids will be accepted on that particular lot. No “buy” or “unlimited” bids will be accepted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the auctioneer may solicit or accept bids that are not incremental in nature.
10. Identical Bids: Preference will be given to the bid first received.
11. Execution of Bids by Auctioneer: Auctioneer is not responsible for errors in your bids. CHECK YOUR BIDS BEFORE SUBMITTING THEM TO THE AUCTIONEER. Auctioneer is not responsible for any failure in executing mail or fax bids received on the day of the auction or later. All written bids should be received two business days before the auction. Auctioneer is not responsible for proper execution of bids submitted by telephone, mail, FAX, email, Internet, or in person, once the auction begins. Electronically placed bids may not be withdrawn.
12. Technology Failure: In the event that auctioneer experiences an outage of the Internet, the auctioneer may extend the time for bidding on any lot in the auction. The auctioneer reserves the right to “take a break” for any reason during the course of the auction.
13. Delivery of Lots: Lots won by Bidders will not be delivered on the day of the auction. All items must be shipped or will be held for pick-up at a time when deemed permissible by local regulations pertaining to the Covid-19 virus.
14. Transfer of Title: Title to any lot shall only transfer after payment is successfully received in full by the auctioneer, including the Buyer’s Premium, any sales tax applicable, and any shipping or other charges.
15. Increments of Bidding:
Range: Multiple:
$10 to $100 $10
$100 to $500 $25
$500 to $1,000 $50
$1,000 to $2,000 $100
$2,000 to $5,000 $250
$5,000 to $10,000 $500
$10,000 to $20,000 $1,000
$20,000 to $50,000 $2,500
$50,000 to $100,000 $5,000
$100,000 to $250,000 $10,000
$250,000 and up Auctioneer’s Discretion
16. Auctioneer May Submit Items to Auction: The auctioneer, his employees or affiliates, may consign items to the auction.
17. Auctioneer May Grant Concessions to Consignors or Bidders: The auctioneer, in his discretion, may extend guarantees, loans, or advances to consignors. The auctioneer reserves the right to extend additional credit by way of extended payment terms at its sole discretion.
18. Minimum or Nominal Bids: The auctioneer will set a minimum bid before a lot can be sold. Bids below the minimum bid may not be accepted or recognized by the auctioneer. Further, nominal bids, or small opening bids, or very nominal advances in the bidding may not be recognized by the auctioneer, in its sole discretion. Any lot not receiving any recognized bid shall be passed.
19. Winner of Lot: The highest qualified bidder recognized by the auctioneer shall be the Buyer. In the event of a tie bid, the bid received first by the auctioneer shall prevail. If there is a dispute among Bidders, the auctioneer may in his sole and absolute discretion re-offer the lot. There are times when a bid may not be recognized by the auctioneer; in that situation the recognized bid will be the winning bid regardless of whether or not the competing, but unrecognized bid, may have been higher. The auctioneer may in his absolute discretion re-open the bidding immediately after closing a lot to accept any bid in error not previously recognized.
20. Good Faith Bidding: Auctioneer reserves the right to honor any bid or to limit the amount of any bid. All bids must be made in good faith. A bid is not made in good faith, if it is made by an insolvent or irresponsible person, a minor, or if made in excess of any applicable credit limit.
21. Lots: All lots will be sold in numerical order (unless a lot is re-offered) and will not be broken. Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw, prior to the close of the entire auction, any lot.
22. Rescission of Sale of Lot: Auctioneer reserves the right to rescind the sale of any lot in the event of non-payment, disputed ownership, clerical error, clerical omission in exercising bids and reserves, or for any other reason in the auctioneer’s sole and absolute discretion.
23. Lots Sold After Auction: In some cases lots will be sold after the auction. The Terms and Conditions apply to those sales as well.
24. Payment in Dollars: All sales are strictly for cash; and payment must be made in United States Dollars.
25. Amount of Payment: All deliveries, and transfers of title, are subject to the full payment of all monies due for the lot, including the payment of the separate Buyer’s Premium. The Buyer’s Premium shall be 18% of the highest successful recognized bid for in-person, phone, or absentee bidding; 21% for bids placed through internet platforms. Auctioneer retains the Buyer’s Premium as its own property.
26. Payment Terms: Payment is due upon the closing of the auction sessions, or upon presentation of an invoice. If payment in full is not received within (7) calendar days after the close of the auction, or within (5) calendar days of the invoice date, whichever is later, the auctioneer may in its sole and absolute discretion, void the sale. If the sale is voided for non-payment the successful bidder shall still owe the auctioneer its fees. Sales tax will be collected from any successful bidder unless the appropriate certificate is on file with the auctioneer at least five business days before the first date set for the auction. If the successful bidder choses to send an “e-check”, electronic funds transfer, or ACH payment, and it does not clear, the bidder authorizes the auctioneer to use the credit card on file. If payment is not made the auctioneer reserves the right to sell the lot to any under-bidder or in any future auction; any difference in the realized proceeds shall be the responsibility of the non-paying successful first bidder.
27. Pick Up, Shipping, and Insurance Concerns: It is the Buyer’s responsibility to pick up the lot being purchased, or make arrangements at his own cost, for packing, shipping, and handling. It is the Buyer’s duty and obligation to insure the lot from the date that title transfers to the successful Bidder, i.e., upon the receipt of full payment by the auctioneer (the “TRANSFER DATE”). Risk of loss passes to the Buyer on the TRANSFER DATE. Delivery costs and insurance during delivery are the responsibility of the Buyer. Frames are sold as-is. Auctioneer is not responsible for damage to a framed item during shipment. Such breakage shall not be the basis for any return of any lot. All items must be shipped, or will be held for pick-up at a time when deemed permissible by local regulations pertaining to the Covid-19 virus.
28. Interest: Any unpaid invoice will bear interest at the highest rate allowed by California law.
29. Attorney’s Fees: In the event that it in necessary for the auctioneer to employ an attorney the successful Bidder agrees to pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
30. Security Interest Granted: The successful Bidder grants a security interest in the lot being sold to secure the payment of the invoice. The successful bidder grants a possessory lien as well to the auctioneer. Auctioneer shall have the rights granted under Article 9 of the California Commercial Code including but not limited to the right of sale.
31. No Warranties: NO WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY DESCRIPTION IN THE CATALOGUE OR ON THE DAY OR AUCTION. Descriptions are only being presented for the benefit of those bidders who have not had the opportunity to view the lots prior to bidding and no description in the catalogue shall create any warranty. Color variations are to be expected and are not the basis for any return of any lot. Auctioneer is only selling the right, title, and interest of any lot that has been consigned to the auctioneer by virtue of any consignment agreements. The auctioneer disclaims any warranty of fitness or merchantability.
32. Disclaimer of Damages; Sole Remedies: Auctioneer disclaims any damages, consequential or otherwise. Auctioneer shall not be responsible for consequential damages, incidental damages, compensatory damages, or any other damages. Up to the date that the auctioneer pays the consignor (45 days after the close of the auction sessions), and in the event that Auctioneer cannot deliver a lot, or if it is established that the lot lacks title, or some other transfer or condition issue is claimed, the sole remedy of the Bidder up to a date six months after the close of the auction sessions shall be the rescission of the sale and the refund of any amount paid by the Buyer. After the consignor is paid by the auctioneer the sole remedy of the Buyer is against the consignor, and vice versa.
33. Statements are Opinions: In consideration of participation in the auction, and the placing of a bid, Bidder expressly releases auctioneer, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, outside experts, and attorneys the (”RELEASEES”) from any and all claims, causes of action, in law or in equity, direct or indirect, known or unknown that he/she/it may have with respect to the auction, the catalogue, the conduct of the auction, or the lots being purchased. By not complying with the terms of this Release, Bidder waives any and all claims against the RELEASEES. A bidder or buyer acknowledges that there is a risk that subsequent to the execution of this Agreement, one or more of them will discover facts or will discover, suffer, or incur claims and/or damages relating to the subject matter of this release, which were unknown or unanticipated at the time of the auction, which, if known on that date may have materially affected their respective decisions to give the herein release. Despite this knowledge and understanding, each bidder and buyer agrees that it is assuming the risk of such unknown and unanticipated facts and claims, and in connection herewith, each hereby expressly waives any and all rights under California Civil Code Section 1542, which section has been explained to and is understood by each party and which reads as follows: “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.”
34: Arbitration: By placing a bid in the auction, a Bidder agrees to the dispute resolution set forth herein. All disputes shall be arbitrated by the American Arbitration Association in Los Angeles County, California. Costs shall be split equally among all parties. This replaces the right to go to court, including the right to a jury trial.
35. Prohibited Activities: Any agreement between consignors and bidders to sell by private sale any lot, or to effect a non-sale of an item at auction is prohibited and auctioneer reserves the right to collect from the bidder the Buyer’s Premium.
36. Special Notice: Auctioneer has in compliance with Title 2.95 of the California Civil Code, Section 1812.600 posted with the California Secretary of State a bond. The auction is being conducted in compliance with Section 2338 of the California Commercial Code and Section 535 of the California Penal Code.
37. SALE OF AUTOGRAPHED MEMORABILIA: AS REQUIRED BY LAW, A DEALER WHO SELLS TO A CONSUMER ANY MEMORABILIA DESCRIBED AS BEING AUTOGRAPHED MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY AT THE TIME OF SALE. THIS DEALER MAY BE SURETY BONDED OR OTHERWISE INSURED TO ENSURE THE AUTHENTICITY OF ANY COLLECTIBLE SOLD BY THIS DEALER.
38. Buyer is purchasing the physical item, but not the rights to reproduce or commercially display without the written consent of the Disney Worldwide Services and all its affiliates.